Page 78 of Sparks Flying

Chapter 19

Of course, my mother decided to hang out and entertain us after lunch.

I was relieved when Vance called with an update.

“Hey Dean, just checking in. I met up with Patrick and his three interns.” There were four interns, but I didn’t correct him on it because I knew exactly where the fourth one was. If my mother would just leave already, I’d already have Bailey in my bed. “We found the car abandoned in the woods near the cliffs.”

I grabbed my laptop and tracked their location on satellite. It was right near where Bailey and I first met. Irrationally, that made this even more personal to me.

“No sign of the driver and the intern that’s a tracker says there doesn’t appear to have been another vehicle in the area. We’re scouring the woods looking for him now.”

“Thanks, Vance. I do not like this at all. Keep me posted.”

The cliffs weren’t far from the house. I hated the thought of someone lurking nearby. It flared something within me, an insatiable need to protect my mate.

As soon as I got off the phone, I turned to face my two favorite women in this world.

“Mom, I need you to put the staff and house on full lockdown. We have an unknown last seen nearby. He’s abandoned his vehicle by the cliffs and must be in the area. This is not a drill.”

“Okay,” she said calmly before gathering our trays and taking them back to the kitchen. I knew she would alert Dad and do as told.

Only a few minutes later, the storm shutters locked into place on every window. We didn’t get the sort of storms that warranted such coverings, but they doubled as security, making the house nearly impenetrable. Still, that didn’t feel safe enough for my little wolf.

“You’re freaking out. Why?” Bailey challenged.

“I just can’t stand the thought of this guy so close to you.”

“That’s the bond speaking. It drives wolves crazy.”

She got up and started pacing back and forth.

“Are you okay?”

“I’ll be fine. I just really don’t like being cooped up.”

Mom returned. “The house has been secured and locked up. The staff is a little freaked out. We’re heading down to the basement and putting on a movie. Do you two need anything?”

“No ma’am. We’re fine,” Bailey told her.

“Well, I’m off to keep the masses calm then. Call me if you need anything at all.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

I followed her to the door and locked it behind her. Bailey began pacing again.

Another alert sounded on my phone.

I sucked in a sharp breath and automatically started my timer.

Bailey watched me closely but didn’t say a word.

We both jumped when the alarm went off.

No second text.

I immediately got Patrick and Vance on a group call.

“No sign of him yet,” Vance informed me.

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